Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Remote tele-mentored ultrasound for non-physician learners using FaceTime: A feasibility study in a low-income country.
Ultrasound (US) is a burgeoning diagnostic tool and is often the only available imaging modality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, bedside providers often lack training to acquire or interpret US images. We conducted a study to determine if a remote tele-intensivist could mentor geographically removed LMIC providers to obtain quality and clinically useful US images. ⋯ Non-physicians can feasibly obtain high-quality and clinically relevant US images using video chat software in LMICs. Commercially available software can connect providers in institutions in LMICs to geographically removed intensivists at a relatively low cost and without the need for extensive training of local providers.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
LetterTotal parenteral nutrition usage trends in the United States.
This study examined how total parenteral nutrition (TPN) usage has changed in recent years, and whether a difference exists between teaching and non-teaching institutions. ⋯ Utilization of TPN increased in the United States between 2001 and 2014, eventually decreasing in non-teaching institutions but not in teaching institutions.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
The association between sodium fluctuations and mortality in surgical patients requiring intensive care.
Serum sodium derangement is the most common electrolyte disturbance among patients admitted to intensive care. This study aims to validate the association between dysnatremia and serum sodium fluctuation with mortality in surgical intensive care patients. ⋯ We identified 8600 subjects, 39% of whom were female, with a median age of 66years for analysis. Subjects with dysnatremia were more likely to be dead at 28 days (17% vs 7%; P<.001). There was a significant association between sodium fluctuation and mortality at 28 days (adjusted odds ratio per 1mmol/L change, 1.10 [95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.12; P<.001]), even in patients who remained normotremic during their intensive care unit stay (1.12 [95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.16; P<.001]) CONCLUSIONS: This observational study validates previous findings of an association between serum sodium fluctuations and mortality in surgical intensive care patients. This association was also present in subjects who remained normonatremic throughout their intensive care unit admission.